A CHEF who has proved to be the region’s prince of pasta will be displaying his new-found skills for a discerning audience next week.

Lee Gardner, 36, emerged top in pasta preparation and presentation among a host of chefs from Scottish and North of England hotels within the Marriott Hotel group.

It was part of a UK-wide training programme, teaching hotel chefs how to make perfect Italian fare.

More than 60 Marriott chefs were trained to prepare fresh, authentic pasta and risotto by the Italian culinarian, Silvia Maccari.

She flew from Italy to offer her expertise to several training groups.

The best from each was selected to cook at a prestigious lunch at the chain’s leading venue, the Park Lane Marriott, in London, on Wednesday.

Mr Gardner, the senior sous chef at Durham’s Marriott Royal County Hotel, was selected from 11 Marriott chefs attending Ms Maccari’s masterclass in Edinburgh.

He said he is relishing the opportunity to hone his skills in Italian cookery, and display his talents in London.

As regional winner, his responsibility also includes teaching nine other chefs at the Royal County to follow the techniques he learned at the training session.

Mr Gardner, from Newton Hall, Durham, said: "The training was a real eye opener and exceptionally useful in learning how to make fresh pasta, risotto and sauces from scratch.

"It was great to have training from such an expert, who has been cooking pasta virtually from childhood.

"I’m now looking forward to perfecting my cannelloni!"

Diners at the Royal County will also benefit from his expertise as the Marriott group launch a pasta promotion later this year.